By Steve Gahagen

We admire people with courage. It may be the courage to go into the fire. My wife and I have been watching the series, “Masters of the Air” which features the bomber pilots and crews of World War II. I am overwhelmed by the courage of these young men facing the probability of death mission after mission.

Another kind of courage is taking a risk to protect others. Gus Lee writes:

“The opposite of courage isn’t fear; fear is simply the internal condition that courage overcomes. The opposite of courage is indifference. Courage comes from commitment, care, and love, whereas allowing wrongs in others leads to others’ mistreatment and suffering. That is why being courageous for rightness is superior to being ‘a good person’ who keeps his nose clean.”

There is a third kind of courage. It is the courage of those who face adversity and suffering daily - those who have the resilience to endure. 

My five-year-old grandson comes to mind. He has a traumatic spinal cord injury and does therapy daily to help his spine learn to compensate for the damaged areas. There are breakthrough moments to celebrate, but it’s mostly difficult.  

His mom is courageous as well, knocking down every barrier so he can have the best treatment possible. She is also on a mission to build an inclusive playground in the city of Hurstbourne (Louisville) so that kids who are disabled have a place where they can play with other kids and not have to watch from the sidelines. 

Courage isn’t always obvious and easy to see. We may only discover it when we get to know someone and their story. Many everyday heroes are walking among us living a courageous life. 

Questions to Consider:

1. Who do you admire for living a life of courage? If you can, send them a text or call them to let them know.

2. When have you had to have courage? 

3. How does courage have an impact on others’ lives?